Late invitations for Sadiq, Awaziem, Ebuehi

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Prior to the friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has issued last-minute call-ups to three players: Sadiq Umar, Chidozie Awaziem, and Tyronne Ebuehi, according to a report from PUNCH Sports Extra.
These late invitations were primarily a response to injuries suffered by Taiwo Awoniyi, Jamilu Collins, and Ola Aina. Nigeria is scheduled to face Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons in Portimão, Portugal on Friday, October 13, followed by a match against Mozambique in the same city three days later. All three players are expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on Tuesday, October 10.
Initially, there were doubts about the availability of Collins and Aina for the friendlies, but they were surprisingly called up by the Portuguese coach. However, the team’s official social media account confirmed on Monday that both defenders would be unavailable for the international break, leading to the call-ups of Awaziem and Ebuehi.
Awoniyi sustained a groin injury before Nottingham Forest’s English Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He is expected to be sidelined for a month, and to fill his spot, Sadiq Umar from Real Sociedad was invited for the Portugal friendlies. Umar, although yet to score this season with Sociedad, has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United in January, highlighting his quality. Despite his recent injury struggles, Umar’s record at Almería has been impressive, with 43 goals and 13 assists in 84 games, showcasing his attacking prowess.
While there have been speculations in the local media about the fitness of Bright Osayi-Samuel and KAA Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha for the upcoming matches, Torunarigha’s recent appearance for Gent against KRC Genk has eased Peseiro’s concerns ahead of the Saudi Arabia clash.

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